Ear infections

Ear infections were the number one illness responsible for nearly 7% of all pediatric visits in 2007 between January and September. (1) In a recent clinical study researchers found that antibiotics are effective in most cases of ear infections caused by bacteria. But only 1 out of 5 children with ear infections needs antibiotics to clear an ear infection. In 4 out of 5 children, ear infections clear on their own.(2)

WebMD states that antibiotics will not be effective if the ear infection is caused by a virus. Waiting before starting an antibiotic can save your child from taking medicine that he or she doesn’t need. (3)

The American Academy of Pediatrics is also suggesting the watchful waiting approach – where the parent keeps an eye on the child in case of worsening while treating the illness at home.(4)

Herbal home remedies for ear infections

For earaches one of the best herbal remedies is garlic and mullein flower oil. This blend will help fight infection and relieve infection as well. Garlic is an anti-microbial agent helping to fight both viral and bacterial infections. It is also warming and stimulates the healing blood flow to the area. Mullein flower is an analgesic helping to reduce pain & inflammation associated with ear infections.

Infuse in the sun for one week or you may also simmer the ingredients over the lowest flame in a double boiler for 30 minutes if you are in a hurry. Strain well through a fine wire mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth. Store in a tightly covered glass jar in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to use, warm it up a little bit and suction oil into a dropper and instill 3 or 4 drops into the ear. Massage the outer ear and around the base of the ear after applying the oil.
Administer the warm herbal oil every 30 minutes or as often as needed. Any excess oil will drain out on its own within a few minutes.(5) If the eardrum is ruptured, massage some oil behind the ear. That works, too, if more slowly. (6)

Other old home remedies for earaches

Onion poultice
Another great kitchen remedy for earaches is an onion. Wrap hot sautéed onions in a flannel cloth and apply directly to both ears (one at a time, if desired). Reheat the onions as needed. Leave the hot onion pack on for 30 to 45 minutes, longer if possible. You can reuse the onion and repeat this 4 times a day. Onions, like garlic have sulfur compounds that break apart mucus and congestion with its vapors.

Hot Salt Mitten
If you have no onions handy, heat some salt in a cast-iron skillet. When the salt is too hot to touch, pour it into a clean kitchen mitten, close the opening with a strong thread or rubber band and apply it carefully to the ear(s). Make sure it’s not too hot for the skin. You can add some layers of clean cloths between the skin and the hot salt mitten.

Lavender Oil
1 drop of Lavender oil placed on a cotton ball and applied to the outer ear

Scientists have discovered that the way DNA sequences are repaired could be critical to the development of Huntington's disease, potentially offering a target for treatment.

ABOUT

My interest in herbs and natural medicine started when I was a child and grew more intense over the years. I originally graduated as a Journalist/Librarian but in 2006 I went back to school and recently finished the Chartered Herbalist course at Dominion Herbal College. I am currently working on Aromatherapy course with Floracopeia, and I also joined Aviva Romm’s new program to deepen my knowledge about herbal medicine and the female body in particular.

Herbalencounter is an experiment to organize some of the information I find useful and to pass it on. This site is for educational purposes only. The information presented on this site is not meant to take the place of a medical diagnosis or prescription - please seek out a holistic health care practitioner who truly cares about people, health, and the planet. This blog also contains affiliate links, using these links to make purchases supports the free information on this site.